On August 16, SUNNY ONLY 1 released her new digital single WASH IT.

In April, the accomplished artist released her first single in two years, So What? SUNNY ONLY 1 is also an active member of the Tokyo-based girls’ creative collective bala, and her previous release Dance like a monkey feat. Mori attracted plenty of attention. A collaboration with close friend Mori from the musical group DONGURIZU, the song was featured on Spotify’s official Electropolis playlist.

WASH IT, concluding the trilogy of solo single releases from SUNNY ONLY 1 this year, was co-written by Kyoichi Mikuriya and Hiroto Sugawara of the band Eiji, along with rapper KOHKI. These artists are close friends of SUNNY, and the track itself is a party tune filled with Afro-funk and disco beats that capture the hustle and bustle of the underground scene. WASH IT was produced by Noah Ings, an up-and-coming producer from London who also worked on SUNNY ONLY 1’s previous release.

[Comment from SUNNY ONLY 1]
“This is the last song of the trilogy. It’s the funkiest song I’ve ever written and I made it while partying with my friends, so I hope you’ll have a listen while you’re vibing and feeling good!”

On June 29, SESSIONS COLLECTION VOL. 1 was released. This is the first digital compilation inspired Tokyo Community Radio’s recent training program “sessions.” DJ and Beatmaker Licaxxx runs the online radio platform, and the training sessions have seen incredible success, inspiring new musicians to grow and improve.

“sessions” is a training program focused exclusively on dance music. Participants work closely with DJs and other active music creators to hone their skills and share unique experiences. The main goal of the program is to teach more about current technology and to share real-world examples that can help participants thrive. Sharing actual problems that current artists are facing and how to overcome them is also a popular part of the program.

Club (RDC) and Red Bull, inviting guests to embark on a 3-day/2-night training camp in Izu to hone their DJ and dance music skills. Artists from all over Japan were selected from an open call and gathered to create new works individually or in groups after listening to advice and having discussions with track makers active in several different genres.

A ton of music produced during the “sessions” program is included on TCR’s first 18-track digital compilation album. In addition to the 14 artists that participated, Stones Taro, Carpainter, Pharakami Sanders, and Licaxxx worked with FELINE to create a track as well. This genre-crossing compilation album by the next generation of Japan-based artists is a must-hear for active DJs, and a behind-the-scenes look at the training camp is available on TCR’s official YouTube channel.

TCR will also be hosting events in Tokyo and Osaka this weekend with re:lax, a unit comprised of DJ/producers re:ni and Laksa from the UK. Keep an eye out for more details!

On June 14, SUNNY ONLY 1 released her new single Dance like a monkey feat. Mori.

In April 2023, the artist released So What?, her first single in two years. The well-established creator is also a member of the Tokyo-based girl artists and creators’ collective bala.

The new song features rapper Mori from DONGURIZU, a long-time friend of the group.

Following the electroclash revival heard in her previous work, the new alternative dance track features notes of post-punk and old-school style. Mori brings his distinct style to the song, and listeners are sure to experience the chaotic mood found in the Tokyo Underground scene.

Starting in October 2022, artist MANON released new music for four consecutive months. Continuing her exploration of the HyperPop genre, her new track L.M.S.N feat. Kyunchi is now streaming.

MANON is known for releasing music with up-and-coming artists, and for this new track, she’s collaborated with NY-based HyperPop artist Kyunchi. L.M.S.N was composed by trackmaker Kiraku, who also worked on MANON’s previous release. The song is a Gal anthem, packed with Kiraku’s signature sound and ‘Gal Rap’ performed by MANON and Kyunchi.

Kyunchi

MANON

<Comment from MANON>

“I’ve wanted to collab with Kyunchi for so long, and it’s finally happened.

When I go to parties, I have a habit of being loud and not holding back, so people tend to shoot me these judgmental looks. But I don’t care! I always think “LET’S MAKE SOME NOISE!!” This song is just that–it’s us doing what we want to do at the moment. ⭐️That’s the vibe.

I feel like gals from the 2010s are all about YOLO–they give off this super strong vibe. That’s what I was trying to channel in this track, but then Kyunchi’s bad bitch rap made it so much more intense. The jacket was also inspired by blinged-out images from the 2010s and was made by Kiraku’s friend onumi!

When you hear this song, be sure to MAKE SOME NOISE!!”

Nike’s Gamma Force line, a modern interpretation of classic 80s sneakers, will be available at ABC-MART and ABC-Mart Online. To celebrate the launch, a new visual and collaborative video featuring the members of ATARASHII GAKKO! have been released.

In the video, the girls are seen performing a flashy dance while wearing shoes from the Gamma Force line. The featured song, SUKI LIEwas featured on the group’s new EP ICHIJIKIKOKU and in standard ATARASHII GAKKO! style, the members express themselves freely while holding absolutely nothing back.

In March, the Tokyo-based girl artists and creators’ collective bala released its first single, barla. On April 26, a remixed version of the track featuring BBY NABE was released on streaming services.

The song barla, produced by Shinichi Osawa (Mondo Grosso) and written by Kenmochi Hidefumi (Wednesday Campanella), first dropped on March 8. The song has been well-received for its stylish music video highlighting the unique backgrounds and interests of each member. The remix features BBY NABE, a bilingual rapper who is the same age as the members. His song PINK SWEET was a viral hit, and the artist is known for producing music across several different genres. barla (feat. BBY NABE) is an anthem for the current generation featuring the rapper’s catchy flow over a dance tune that brings back the house sound of the late 90s.

A Moe Shop Remix of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s legendary song CANDY CANDY, originally released in 2012, will appear on streaming services on April 21.

Moe Shop is a DJ and trackmaker whose one-of-a-kind sound is influenced by French electronica and Japanese pop music. Having amassed a global following, the creator claims to be greatly influenced by Yasutaka Nakata, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s producer.

CANDY CANDY (Moe Shop Remix) is the second remix to be released by the Harajuku star. In 2020, Ninja Re Bang Bang (Steve Aoki Remix) was released to massive fanfare. The new pop tune has a completely different vibe than the original, and fans won’t want to miss it.

Recently, it was announced that Moe Shop would be performing as the opening act for the three U.S. dates of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s POPPP world tour starting in May. The two artists will also be collaborating on a special YouTube Live, allowing fans from around the world to participate in the festivities. The jacket illustration for the single, created by illustrator Natsumi Yoshida, has also been unveiled.

After the world tour concludes, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu will hold a special solo concert on July 15 at the Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall. ‘Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Special Live 2023 ~Midnight Sun~’ will be held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the venue.

Last year, the HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE collaboration appeared at AF Gallery in Harajuku from August 10 until August 28, garnering massive acclaim from fans. The collection is now being sold at Shinsaibashi PARCO until March 12, 2023.

HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE is a Studio Ghibli-inspired apparel collection by the popular American counterculture chain Hot Topic. Bringing more Japanese culture to the ongoing Studio Ghibli collaboration launched in 2014, Hot Topic stores began selling original items produced by nine Japanese creators and brands, as well as some original American items produced by Hot Topic’s executive designers.

The lineup of Japan-original items includes T-shirts, tote bags, and other items featuring exclusive artwork by up-and-coming creators. These items depict beloved characters from Studio Ghibli’s works, as well as logos created for the collaboration. Fans won’t want to miss grabbing these unique items!

Details on the Previous HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE Pop-Up Store: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/625747

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Rilakkuma and his adorable friends, the Rilakkuma 20th Anniversary Cafe will open in Omotesando, Tokyo from March 9 until April 16, 2023. You’ll want to come and spend a peaceful time looking back at two decades of everyone’s favorite lazy bear!

The menu features colorful and festive dishes inspired by Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, Kiiroitori, and Chairoikoguma. The characters express their thanks for 20 successful years, and fans can enjoy floats topped with Rilakkuma and friends wearing ribbons and topped with ice cream, a jelly soda inspired by Chairoikoguma and his friends in the honey forest, and a hot drink inspired by Rilakkuma’s favorite pudding.

Menu

Rilakkuma’s Honey Mustard Hamburger

コリラックマのクリームパスタ

Korilakkuma’s Cream Pasta

Kiiroitori’s Egg Burger

Chairoikoguma’s Cheese Curry　

Rilakkuma and Friend’s Celebratory Cake

Congratulatory Flower Parfait

You Can Choose♪ Rilakkuma and Friends Mini Ice Cream

You Can Choose♪ Rilakkuma and Friends Floats　

Honey Forest Jelly Soda

Relaxing Pudding Drink

Take-Out Drink Bottle

Original Merch

Acrylic Clip (7 varieties, random)

Acrylic Keychain (5 varieties, random)

Mini-Bottle / Muddler with Charm (4 varieties)

Lunch Tote / Drawstring Bag

Acrylic Stand with Clip / Cork Coaster

Stuffed Animal

In addition, the cafe will offer original goods, special offers, and a Twitter campaign to celebrate Rilakkuma’s 20th anniversary.

Come enjoy the elaborate original menu and goods while sharing memories at this limited time themed cafe!

©2023 San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

The Tokyo-based girl artists and creators’ collective bala has finally launched for real! The group will release its first single barla on March 8.

bala consists of MANON, SUNNY ONLY 1, DAN, and KANO, each with their own global background. The project aims to resonate with Gen Z youth culture and to be a collective of artists that connects hybrid Japanese pop culture with audiences around the world.

The debut song barla was produced by Shinichi Osawa, who has numerous hits under the name Mondo Grosso. It was co-written by Kenmochi Hidefumi from Wednesday Campanella. With Y2K culture making a comeback around the world, the track features the house sound popular in the late 90s which is showing signs of becoming the next musical trend yet again. The groovy dance tune is a perfect theme song for these girls who will lead the next generation of pop culture.

<Comment from Shinichi Osawa>
“I’m honored to be involved in bala’s debut. The members are super unique, and collaborating with Kenmochi-san for the first time was a dream come true.”

<Comment from Kenmochi Hidefumi>
“I’m happy to be able to work with the members of bala and Shinichi Osawa. Everyone is so uniquely talented, and this song is filled with everyone’s energy and excitement inspired by their long-awaited debut!”

ShowMinorSavage, a new unit formed by BMSG’s Aile The Shota along with SOTA and MANATO from BE:FIRST, have released their first EP! ShowMinorSavage was added to all major streaming services on February 22, 2023.

The three artists met at a BMSG audition and immediately hit it off, sharing similar musical backgrounds and interests. Unsurprisingly, they formed ShowMinorSavage soon after.

Their unit name comes from their intention to transform minor acts in the music scene into major acts, showing how savage they can be. Their first EP was created with this idea very much in mind.

ShowMinorSavage / SUPER ICY (Prod. Chaki Zulu) -Music Video-

The EP features the first songs produced under the group name ShowMinorSavage, including No Cap Navy, a song sampled from SKY-HI’s Nanairo Holiday created by the three members, and Thinkin’ bout you, a dope hip-hop track expressing the member’s love and featuring a vocal loop by TRILL DYNASTY. The groovy and extremely danceable song SUPER ICY was produced by Chaki Zulu.

The major debut of ShowMinorSavage is sure to create waves in the music scene, and you won’t want to miss it!

BALLISTIK BOYZ, currently busy training in Thailand, released a new track titled Drop Dead feat. TRINITY on February 16. This marks the group’s first time collaborating with a popular Thai artist, and to commemorate the occasion, the music video has also been released on the High Cloud Entertainment YouTube channel.

In September 2022, BALLISTIK BOYZ moved their base of operations to Thailand to realilze the group’s motto of “music has no borders.” The group has since appeared at a number of live events, including the OCTO POP FEST in October 2022 and the BIG MOUNTAIN MUSIC FES 12, one of the largest festivals in Southeast Asia.

Drop Dead feat.TRINITY – BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE (Music Video)

Drop Dead feat. TRINITY was created following an encounter with TRINITY, a popular T-pop group that shares the same aspirations as the BALLISTIK BOYZ. The group is known for blending pop and rap with addictive Trap and EDM beats, and this new track shares the feelings many experience while chasing their dreams. Designed to give listeners a bit more fighting spirit, it’s perfect for blaring when you need a pick-me-up.

The music video tells the story of how BALLISTIK BOYZ and TRINITY met in a foreign land, taking on the world stage and trying to make it where many challengers have lost their dreams and given up. Filmed in spectacular locations across Thailand, the video has plenty of cinematic flair.

Footage from the song’s recording sessions can be seen on the New School Breakin’, a brand-new reality show on High Cloud Entertainment’s YouTube channel. Fans can also see the first collaboration performance between the two groups during the BIG MOUNTAIN MUSIC FESTIVAL 12.

Comment from BALLISTIK BOYZ

“We’re proud to announce the release of our first international production, Drop Dead!!

 This time around, we collaborated with TRINITY, an incredible group from Thailand. Fusing together J-pop and T-pop, we’re aiming to bring Japanese music to the rest of Asia, and from Asia, we want to spread to the rest of the world. This song really shows off our determination in the music, lyrics, and choreography!

This is our first attempt at completely English lyrics, and I think it gives a brand new feel to the BALLISTIK BOYZ. I hope you’ll listen to it and check out the music video!

We’ll continue to work hard to take this song to the next level, so please continue to support us!”